The FIA is facing a major crisis after Robert Reid, the Deputy President for Sport, resigned. He pointed to a “breakdown in governance” and said that key decisions were being made “without due process.” Reid’s resignation adds to the criticism of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and creates more instability for the governing body of motorsport.
A Growing Crisis in Leadership
Reid’s resignation is part of a larger wave of discontent. David Richards, chair of Motorsport UK, also criticized the FIA’s leadership. He warned that power within the organization was becoming too concentrated. Richards also highlighted the lack of transparency in key decisions.
Natalie Robyn, the former FIA CEO, supported Reid’s views. She said the FIA had “serious structural issues.” Robyn herself left the FIA last year, citing similar concerns.
The FIA has responded by thanking Reid for his service. The organization insists that its corporate governance is strong. However, many in the motorsport world are skeptical.
Driver Frustrations Mount
The problems with the FIA are also being noticed by drivers. Mercedes driver George Russell expressed growing frustration. He said, “Things seem to be continuously going in an unstable direction.” Russell’s comment reflects the growing concern among those who rely on the FIA for fair and consistent governance.
The dissatisfaction is not limited to Russell. Teams, fans, and industry figures are also questioning whether the FIA is serving the best interests of motorsport. With so much instability at the top, many wonder what the future holds for the governing body.
Ben Sulayem’s Controversial Leadership
Ben Sulayem’s presidency has been marked by controversy. His term has been filled with a series of decisions that have sparked debate and criticism. The most well-known of these was the ban on jewelry during races. The FIA also placed restrictions on what drivers could say, further alienating many in the sport.
Ben Sulayem has also faced accusations of interfering in races. One of the most notable incidents was an investigation into Susie Wolff, which was later dropped. Wolff, who is the wife of Mercedes’ team principal, has filed a lawsuit against the FIA over the matter.
Critics have also pointed to sexist comments Ben Sulayem made in the past. These comments have raised concerns about his leadership and the direction of the FIA.
Additionally, Ben Sulayem has had repeated clashes with Formula 1’s commercial rights holders. These disagreements have further strained the relationship between the FIA and the sport’s top teams.
Senior Figures Resigning
Reid’s resignation is part of a longer list of high-level departures from the FIA. Many senior figures have left their positions under Ben Sulayem’s leadership. These include FIA CEO Natalie Robyn and technical director Tim Goss. Other important figures, such as sporting director Steve Nielsen, have also resigned.
These departures highlight the growing instability within the organization. Many key figures have left, citing the same concerns about leadership and governance.
In his resignation letter, Reid said that motorsport “deserves leadership that is accountable, transparent, and member-driven.” He made it clear that he could no longer be part of an organization that did not reflect those values.
Ben Sulayem’s Future in Doubt
As the crisis deepens, the future of Ben Sulayem as FIA President is uncertain. His term is set to end in December, and with growing criticism, his re-election is not guaranteed. Despite the mounting pressure, no one has officially stepped up to challenge him for the role.
There is still time for things to change. As the pressure continues to build, it is unclear whether Ben Sulayem can repair his reputation before the election. If he does not address the concerns of the motorsport community, he may face further difficulties in securing re-election.
Calls for Reform
The FIA’s internal issues are now out in the open. Many people within the sport are calling for reforms to fix the organization’s problems. These calls for change are becoming louder. Many feel that the FIA needs to restore its credibility if it wants to continue being the leader in motorsport governance.
The FIA has a chance to address these issues and regain the trust of its members. However, if the organization continues down its current path, it risks losing its role as the top governing body in motorsport.
The FIA is facing a critical moment. The resignation of Robert Reid is just the latest sign that there are serious problems at the top. The FIA must act quickly to restore confidence in its leadership. Whether this means replacing Ben Sulayem or making changes within the structure of the organization, something needs to change.
The motorsport world is watching closely. The future of the FIA depends on how it handles this crisis. If it can make the necessary changes, it may be able to rebuild its reputation. If not, it could face a long period of instability.